First Round Pick #23 - Matthew Golden WR - Texas

[gopkrs]

Packers Total Access Podcast had a Chalk Talk episode last night breaking Golden down. 3 things that stood out.

1. Golden creates separation
2. He plucks the ball with his hands, doesn't body catch
3. Quinn Ewers is not a good QB, and Golden has very few accuratepasses thrown his way. Tons of underthrown, and off target passes.

I've heard that b4 about Ewers. He did get drafted though.

 

[OldSchool101]

After studying Golden a little closer, another player with a similar scouting report was Amon Rah St Brown. Actually Amon Rah reports weren’t as positive to be accurate. He held a grade more in that Top 50-125 area parameters. Golden’s imo was more that Top 15-40 spread.
Also St Brown when used as a Perimter WR lacked the speed to Win vertically and he floundered. When moved inside to Slot he was a perfect fit. Anon Rah had some concerns about size and focus drops. Very similar tune.

Golden? He’s got Amon Rah like profile but add vertical speed. Which gives him the ability to Win in all 3 primary WR roles. There is nothing to guarantee he will produce St Browns 900+ Rookie season. Yet nothing to deter him from it either.

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[Heyjoe4]

After studying Golden a little closer, another player with a similar scouting report was Amon Rah St Brown. Actually Amon Rah reports weren’t as positive to be accurate. He held a grade more in that Top 50-125 area parameters. Golden’s imo was more that Top 15-40 spread.
Also St Brown when used as a Perimter WR lacked the speed to Win vertically and he floundered. When moved inside to Slot he was a perfect fit. Anon Rah had some concerns about size and focus drops. Very similar tune.

Golden? He’s got Amon Rah like profile but add vertical speed. Which gives him the ability to Win in all 3 primary WR roles. There is nothing to guarantee he will produce St Browns 900+ Rookie season. Yet nothing to deter him from it either.

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Interesting comparison. St. Brown is one of those examples of a later pick upping his game in the NFL. Nacua is another in LA. Those guys are hard to find.

Golden's speed and build are more like Tyreek Hill. And if Golden could produce half as much as Hill, well the Packers will have a winner.

 

[tynimiller]

I am still just sitting here praying I got Golden wrong from a prospect perspective...I did not see a first rounder let alone a guy I'd pick over few others that went later...HOPE I'M WRONG in every way possible LOL

 

[OldSchool101]

I am still just sitting here praying I got Golden wrong from a prospect perspective...I did not see a first rounder let alone a guy I'd pick over few others that went later...HOPE I'M WRONG in every way possible LOL

I hope you’re wrong too! Lol.

I thinks he’s the perfect (not as in won’t make mistakes) “all around WR” that can win in a variety of ways. I think we targeted him for a lots of reasons. One of the top reasons is he is said to be an exceptional teammate and he has a high echelon work ethic. He apparently displayed that in HS, for Houston AND for the Longhorns. His Coaches have been impressed at each level.
I like he’s got a swagger that reminds me of J’aire. They both go out there convinced they will dominate their opponent and much of the time they follow through.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I hope you’re wrong too! Lol.

I thinks he’s the perfect all around WR that can win in a variety of ways. I think we targeted him for a lots of reasons. One of the top reasons is he is said to be an exceptional teammate and he has a high echelon work ethic. He apparently displayed that in HS, for Houston AND for the Longhorns. His Coaches have been impressed at each level.
I like he’s got a swagger that reminds me of J’aire. They both go out there convinced they will dominate their opponent and much of the time they follow through.

The two biggest skills Golden has are speed and ability to catch almost everything. He literally comes in a little short at 5'11" but I think he weighs 190 or 195, so he has a strong build.

Ty really liked Higgins, and sure enough, Higgins was selected at #34, 11 spots behind Golden. It will be interesting to see how their rookie years compare, and then their careers.

 

[OldSchool101]

Ty really liked Higgins, and sure enough, Higgins was selected at #34, 11 spots behind Golden. It will be interesting to see how their rookie years compare, and then their careers.

Exactly. Most often the Packers hold players back some their Rookie season. I remember watching Davante in 2014. We used him sparingly, but you could immediately see that fluid movement in games. I see that similarity in Wicks, he just needs to hold on to those drops!
Different systems, different outcomes. The QB will have much to do with his production also. I do think GB won’t hold him back as much as we normally do. I’m expecting in that 750+ 6TD area. Because.. This IS the NFL.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Exactly. Most often the Packers hold players back some their Rookie season. I remember watching Davante in 2014. We used him sparingly, but you could immediately see that fluid movement in games. I see that similarity in Wicks, he just needs to hold on to those drops!
Different systems, different outcomes. The QB will have much to do with his production also. I do think GB won’t hold him back as much as we normally do. I’m expecting in that 750+ 6TD area. Because.. This IS the NFL.

Good comparison between Adams and Wicks during their first and second seasons. A lot of people don't remember, but Adams had a big problem with drops his first two years. And he was constantly arguing with refs over "missed PI/holding calls". Seems he matured quite a bit by year three, and the bickering stopped, and he started catching balls. Along with his incredible talent at creating separation, he took off.

It's hard to predict how any rookie will do. And you're right, GB brings rookies along slowly - just look at Edgerrin Cooper from last season.

I'd be happy with a 750 yd, 6 TD season for Golden, but I'm hoping for more. Cooper was a 4th round pick so the comparison to Golden isn't precise. Golden will compete for a starting job immediately, and it seems likely he will succeed.